Automotive Journalist
Articles by Sam Kricsfeld
Gitla Doppelt stands as a testament to resilience
Gitla Doppelt, a Holocaust survivor who fought with the Partisans against the Nazis, celebrated her 99th birthday last month. She stands as a testament to resilience and longevity, a woman who has always soldiered on. When she tells her story, she always tells of the heroism of her brother, Israel Slonimski, who actively fought with the guerilla Partisan forces. But Doppelt herself has lived a life worthy of retelling.
Melynn Sight combines post-Oct. 7 reflections with history and questions in new book
Community member Melynn Sight was in Israel during the Oct. 7 attacks in 2023. Her subsequent discussions, learning, reflections and blog posts led her to write a book, “Once You See It: The Jewish Story, October 7, the Past That Shapes It, and the Lives Within It.” Sight and her husband, Dan, were in Israel as tourists when the Oct. 7 attacks occurred and heard the Israeli jet fighters heading toward Gaza in the days after as they waited to fly out of the country.
U.K. Advisor on Antisemitism Lord John Mann speaks to JCRB|AJC board, community leaders
Lord John Mann, the United Kingdom’s independent advisor on antisemitism, recently spoke to community leaders and board members of the Jewish Community Relations Bureau | American Jewish Committee (JCRB|AJC) about his experiences advocating for the Jewish people of Britain.
Local couple celebrates one year of Party Krashin event decoration business
One year ago, community members Julie and Jeremy Krashin decided to transform their event decoration skills into Party Krashin. The company has now decorated nearly 70 events, including dozens of Jewish celebrations, across the Kansas City area. Party Krashin is known for its elaborate balloon decor and everything from centerpieces to photo backdrops. Its clients in the Jewish community have ranged from families celebrating newborns or b’nai mitzvah to Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy (HBHA) and The J.
JFS announces 15,000-square-foot distribution center in Raytown
Jewish Family Services (JFS) recently announced that a 15,000-square-foot warehouse in Raytown, Missouri, will soon serve as a distribution center for its Food Pantry operations. JFS Executive Director Angela DeWilde told The Chronicle this will help the organization achieve its end goal of increasing its food distribution capacity from 300,000 pounds per year to more than 2 million. The idea to expand JFS’ food access initiatives started years ago as existing storage neared capacity.
Rabbi Linda Steigman celebrates her second bat mitzvah at age 83
The Book of Psalms states that “the span of our life is 70 years.” Some consider those who have lived beyond that biblical projection as having started a new life cycle. At age 83, 13 years after their new start, some Jewish people choose to have a second bar or bat mitzvah. Rabbi Linda Steigman just celebrated hers. Rabbi Steigman’s second bat mitzvah took place on April 25 at The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah.
Where Arks Once Stood
“Where Arks Once Stood” is an ongoing, months-long, multimedia endeavor of The Chronicle to compile the histories and photos of former synagogue buildings still existing today. These buildings were community hubs, places where the highs and lows of Kansas City Jewry occurred during some of the most tumultuous times in modern Jewish history. The multimedia aspect is this interactive website in which each building below has its own page dedicated to its history.
Former Overland Park deputy chief of police serving as new Jewish community security director
Former Overland Park Deputy Chief of Police Simon Happer is now the Kansas City Jewish community’s security chief. His role includes serving as the regional security advisor of Kansas and Western Missouri for the Secure Community Network (SCN), a nonprofit Jewish Federation partner that serves as the official security arm of North American Jewish communities, and the official liaison with local and federal law enforcement. He began in December, succeeding Chuck Green as the local security lead.
Jewish actress Sarah Bernhardt subject of exhibit at the Nelson-Atkins
Artwork featuring legendary Jewish actress Sarah Bernhardt will be on display at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in the exhibit “Mucha’s Muses: Sarah Bernhardt and the Spirit of Art Nouveau.” The pieces, all created by Czech artist Alphonse Mucha in the late 19th and early 20th century, often served as posters or advertisements for the French performer’s theatrical career. Bernhardt, born Henriette-Rosine Bernard in 1844, played dozens of roles in more than 100 productions around the world.
Rabbi Steve Burnstein teaching about nuances of Israel while back in Kansas City
Rabbi Steve Burnstein, a Kansas City native and current rabbi in Kibbutz Gezer in Israel, is currently back in his hometown as a rabbi-in-residence at Congregation Beth Torah. A former director of Beth Torah’s religious school, he is spending his three-month visit educating and leading programs at the synagogue and beyond.
Hanukkah Rocks concert returns for fourth year, spearheaded by local musician Benjamin Cartel
For the fourth year in a row, Hanukkah Rocks will bring a celebration of Jewish singer/songwriter music to Lawrence, Kansas. Led by Benjamin Cartel, a Jewish singer/songwriter himself, Hanukkah Rocks 4 will be held at The Granada on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 6:30 p.m. Hanukkah Rocks features songs from Jewish artists such as Leonard Cohen, Neil Diamond, Bob Dylan, Carole King, Paul Simon and more. It was started as “a secular appreciation of Judaism.
Fallen POW Sgt. Simon Garelich identified and returned to family after 82 years
More than 80 years after his death, Sgt. Simon Garelich (z”l) has been returned to the United States. A casualty of World War II, his remains were identified and reinterred last month on American soil, and after generations, his family finally has closure. Simon Garelich, born on Sept. 10, 1920, was the youngest of four sons and six daughters of Mary and Michael Garelich (z”l) in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Local rabbis sign condemnation of anti-Zionism and NYC mayoral candidate
Five local rabbis across denominations have signed “A Rabbinic Call to Action: Defending the Jewish Future,” a letter condemning the “political normalization” of anti-Zionism, using New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani as an example.
Kansas City native Todd Cohn uses Holocaust exhibit to inspire students to confront hate
A replica of a train car used to transport Jews to Nazi death camps is now serving as a traveling exhibit that uses Holocaust history to confront antisemitism and hate. The exhibit, which has appeared outside the White House, in Times Square, at Harvard University and at dozens of high schools, is the centerpiece of the program Hate Ends Now, created and led by Kansas City native Todd Cohn.
Rabbi David Levinsky takes the helm of New Reform Temple
Rabbi David Levinsky, the newest pulpit rabbi in Kansas City, has succeeded Rabbi Alan Londy as The New Reform Temple’s sole clergyman. Rabbi Levinsky, who started in July, stands as the spiritual leader of one of Kansas City’s smallest Reform synagogues. The New Reform Temple (NRT) is proud of this fact, promoting its “progressive and intimate Jewish community.” “I consider [the congregation’s size] a good thing,” he said.
Community members launch virtual pulmonary rehabilitation company
Dr. Micah Levine and Josef Loeffler, two community members acutely aware of the effects of lung diseases, recently cofounded PulmaCare, a virtual pulmonary rehabilitation company. They, along with third cofounder Eric Vargas, launched the company in April with the goal of improving the quality of life of patients suffering from lung diseases. They aim to make PulmaCare the premier organization of its type in the Midwest.
Dr. Tiffany Simpson becomes Kansas City’s newest mohel
A mohel — one who is trained in the ritual circumcision, or brit milah, of a Jewish baby boy — is hard to come by in the Midwest. With very few in Kansas City, getting a mohel after a boy is born can be difficult for Jewish families. Dr. Tiffany Simpson, Kansas City’s newest trained mohel, hopes to help. Performing a brit milah requires more than just medical training.
Kansas Citians encounter difficulty leaving Israel during war with Iran
Multiple Jewish Kansas Citians were unexpectedly grounded in Israel during the outbreak of the war with Iran. The war, which broke out on June 13, resulted in the cessation of Israeli air traffic, significantly complicating visitors’ departures. Local Jews were in Israel for a multi-day conference of the Israel Economic Forum (IEF) and Birthright trips.
Celebrating 105 years of The Chronicle
The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle is now 105 years old — one of the nation’s longest-running Jewish newspapers still in print. Many newspapers have risen and fallen over the past century — in fact, many empires have risen and fallen. Why is this publication still around when so much else isn’t? Certainly, The Chronicle has seen its fair share of difficulties that could’ve torpedoed a weaker newspaper — the Great Depression, World War II, inflation, the internet and COVID-19, to name a few.
Government rescinds funding for Wishna play at Spinning Tree Theatre
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) rescinded a reimbursement grant to fund “First Generation,” a play commissioned by Spinning Tree Theatre, written by community member Victor Wishna and produced in partnership with Jewish Vocational Service (JVS). “First Generation,” inspired by interviews Wishna had with young refugees, ran last month at the Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center and at JVS’ annual fundraiser.
Devinki pledges $1 million to K.I. for building preservation
Sam Devinki and Mary Stahl, long-time supporters of Kehilath Israel Synagogue, have pledged $1 million to establish the Kehilath Israel Devinki Building Preservation Fund. It will provide up to $50,000 for at least two decades for capital improvements to maintain the synagogue. For Devinki, the dedication to K.I.’s future stems from more than seven decades of involvement — his family joined the congregation in 1951 and were ardent supporters of the synagogue.
Andi Milens retires after decades of supporting Jewish communities
Andi Milens, whose career has led her to help Jews around the world, has retired from Jewish professional life. She concluded her nearly 30-year career at the end of February, stepping down from her most recent position as chief strategy officer of Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City. Milens, the daughter of Michael (z”l) and Sharon Milens, credits her parents for shaping her values and her involvement in Jewish life.
KC Jewish Community Digital Archive entering second phase
The second phase of the Kansas City Jewish Community Digital Archive will debut with an interactive timeline of The J available online. In addition to showing The J’s legacy, the digital timeline will serve as a prototype for how other community organizations can preserve and share their histories. The Jewish Community Digital Archive’s first phase was launched in 2022 with the digitization of The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle’s back issues and local history video interviews.
Downtown Minyan celebrates 20 years
Though it may take some “minyan wrangling,” at least 10 men meet nearly every Thursday as part of Kansas City’s Downtown Minyan. The group, largely led and organized by founders Paul Blackman and Max Jevinsky, recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. Starting in November of 2004, Blackman and Jevinsky defied odds by creating and maintaining a regular minyan downtown — a Jewish asset that many other big cities do not have.
New St. Joseph congregation Beit Echad looks forward, respects the past
Editor’s note: This is the second of a two-part series about Beit Echad, a new congregation in St. Joseph, Missouri. Read the first part here. Beit Echad recently opened as the first new synagogue in St. Joseph, Missouri, in more than a century. Two synagogues, Temple Adath Joseph and Temple B’nai Sholem, have been the stewards of the community’s legacy and Jewish observances for decades.
St. Joseph congregations form city’s first new synagogue in more than a century
Editor’s note: This is the first of a two-part series about Beit Echad, a new congregation in St. Joseph, Missouri. St. Joseph, Missouri, has a Jewish history stretching back more than 150 years, and two main synagogues, Temple Adath Joseph and Temple B’nai Sholem, have been the community’s only congregations for more than six decades. Now, the two congregations have worked together to form Beit Echad, the first new synagogue in the city in more than a century.
Rabbi Talia Kaplan joins Beth Shalom as newest clergy member
Congregation Beth Shalom welcomed its newest clergy member, Assistant Rabbi Talia Kaplan, this summer. A recent rabbinical school graduate, Rabbi Kaplan joins Senior Rabbi David Glickman and Hazzan Tahl Ben-Yehuda as a spiritual leader at Beth Shalom. Though Rabbi Kaplan officially started this summer, her involvement with Beth Shalom stretches back to the summer of 2023, before she had completed rabbinical school at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City.
Beth Shalom completes long-awaited new sanctuary
Congregation Beth Shalom has completed its new sanctuary, concluding a yearslong endeavor to provide the synagogue a permanent prayer space. The congregation held a dedication ceremony on Aug. 28 to showcase the synagogue’s new addition and honor those who helped with its realization. The ceremony capped more than a dozen years of work to get Beth Shalom a sanctuary at its current location.
Beth Shalom completes long-awaited new sanctuary
Congregation Beth Shalom has completed its new sanctuary, concluding a yearslong endeavor to provide the synagogue a permanent prayer space. The congregation held a dedication ceremony on Aug. 28 to showcase the synagogue’s new addition and honor those who helped with its realization. The ceremony capped more than a dozen years of work to get Beth Shalom a sanctuary at its current location.
Debbie Granoff, 90, continues lifelong dedication to community
Few people can claim to be as intertwined with the history of the Kansas City Jewish community as Debbie Granoff. A lifelong volunteer, the daughter of one of Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City’s founders and a 35-year Federation employee, Granoff’s commitment to Kansas City Jewry is more than evident. Granoff, who celebrated her 90th birthday last month, is the daughter of Rabbi Max Bretton (z’l) and Mary Powell Bretton (z’l).
Geller, von Ende receive national recognition for Jewish advocacy efforts
Samantha von Ende and Gavriela Geller, a married couple at the forefront of the Kansas City Jewish community’s fight against antisemitism, have each recently received national recognition for their efforts.
Jewish community responds to SJP encampment at KU
This is a developing story. Information in this article is up to date as of mid-day on May 9 and will be updated periodically. The University of Kansas has joined the growing list of colleges nationwide that have seen encampments by pro-Palestine groups, prompting a student-led gathering of Israel supporters and strong responses from Jewish organizations.
JCRB|AJC summit underscores extent of antisemitism in the heartland
In a day-long summit with upwards of 25 speakers and panelists — including United States Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff — the Jewish Community Relations Bureau | American Jewish Committee (JCRB|AJC) emphasized the scope of the antisemitism American Jews are facing.
JCRB|AJC summit underscores extent of antisemitism in the heartland
In a day-long summit with upwards of 25 speakers and panelists — including United States Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff — the Jewish Community Relations Bureau | American Jewish Committee (JCRB|AJC) emphasized the scope of the antisemitism American Jews are facing.
Charles Manuel Goodbinder
Charles Manuel Goodbinder, 83, passed away on Feb. 28. Charles was born on June 19, 1940, to Mary and Earl Goodbinder in Kansas City, Missouri. He grew up in Kansas City and spent six months in the Army and five years in the Army Reserve, where he was awarded distinction as a rifleman. After the military, he was set up on a blind date with his future wife, Susan Simon. After a short courtship, on May 11, 1969, they were married. They spent almost 55 years together.
Robert Leon Hoffman
Robert Leon Hoffman, 94, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away on Feb. 25. Graveside services were held at Kehilath Israel Blue Ridge Cemetery on March 1. Bob was born on Nov. 15, 1929, to Alan and Rose Hoffman, in Kansas City, Missouri. He graduated from Central High School in 1946 and was a member of the Del Ray Fraternity. He proudly served during the Korean War. He met his lovely wife, Stella, during high school, and they were married on Dec. 17, 1950.
Protesters disrupt Oct. 7 survivor’s presentation at KU
Anti-Israel students interrupted a presentation at the University of Kansas by Oct. 7 massacre survivor Gal Cohen-Solal, and dozens more protested outside the venue. Protesters shouted at Cohen-Solal during his presentation, resulting in police officers escorting them out. Others gathered outside of the room in the Kansas Student Union with signs, chanting anti-Israel slogans. The event was jointly presented by KU Chabad, KU Hillel and Students Supporting Israel on Feb. 15.
Protesters disrupt Oct. 7 survivor’s presentation at KU
Anti-Israel students interrupted a presentation at the University of Kansas by Oct. 7 massacre survivor Gal Cohen-Solal, and dozens more protested outside the venue. Protesters shouted at Cohen-Solal during his presentation, resulting in police officers escorting them out. Others gathered outside of the room in the Kansas Student Union with signs, chanting anti-Israel slogans. The event was jointly presented by KU Chabad, KU Hillel and Students Supporting Israel on Feb. 15.
Israeli consul general addresses Missouri House, Senate
In a joint session of the Missouri Senate and House of Representatives, Maor Elbaz-Starinsky, Israeli consul general to the region, addressed lawmakers regarding American support of Israel. The Feb. 6 address coincided with the introduction of resolutions supporting Israel in the Missouri House and Senate. Pro-Palestinian protestors in the chamber interrupted Elbaz-Starinsky, shouting for a ceasefire.
Mother and son volunteer for Israel’s agricultural sector, see perspectives of Israelis
With Israel’s agriculture sector experiencing a major downturn as the Israel-Hamas War continues, international volunteers, including community members Karen Gerson and her son Gilli, are helping pick up the slack. The two Gersons traveled to Israel last month on a trip organized by Israel Food Rescue.
Flags at KU Jewish fraternity vandalized for second time in three months
The Israeli and American flags at the Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi) Jewish fraternity chapter at the University of Kansas were cut down by vandals for the second time in two months. Both flags were discarded on the lawn of the fraternity house after being cut from the flagpole. The vandalism, which took place on Jan. 1, is similar to the incident at AEPi that took place on Nov. 5, during which vandals also tore down and discarded the Israeli and American flags.
Local group keeping Yiddish alive in Kansas City
When the members of the Yiddish Club meet every week at The J, their learning and conversation serve as evidence that the Yiddish language is still alive in Kansas City. Every Friday afternoon, a small group of Yiddish speakers gather at Heritage: Lifelong Learning for Adults 55+ (previously known as the Heritage Center) for a few hours of komunikatsye — communication. The club meetings, currently led by Esther Rudnick, average six attendees.
PJ Library, CDC organize children’s book reading in response to online antisemitism
Antisemitic comments on a Hanukkah post by a local library spurred a response of unity and pride among Jewish community preschools. After Olathe Public Library shared a photo featuring the children’s book “Hanukkah Bear” on Facebook on Dec. 8, the slew of antisemitic comments that followed prompted PJ Library Kansas City and the Child Development Center at The J (CDC) to organize a mass reading of the book.
PJ Library, CDC organize children’s book reading in response to online antisemitism
Antisemitic comments on a Hanukkah post by a local library spurred a response of unity and pride among Jewish community preschools. Olathe Public Library shared a photo featuring the children’s book, “The Hanukkah Bear,” on Facebook; the slew of antisemitic comments that followed prompted PJ Library of Kansas City and the Child Development Center at The J (CDC) to organize a mass reading of the book.
Antisemitic incidents, anti-Israel protests ongoing at KU, MU
Antisemitism on college campuses has drastically increased since the outbreak of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, and the University of Kansas and the University of Missouri are no exceptions. Student-led anti-Israel walkouts with antisemitic signs and chants are occurring at the University of Kansas, and an empty table set up to bring attention to the Israeli hostages was destroyed at the University of Missouri.
Anti-Israel student protests continue at KU; antisemitic chants repeated
Two student-led anti-Israel walkouts occurred at the University of Kansas, and dozens of student protestors engaged in antisemitic chants while carrying signs and posters. The walkouts, organized by KU’s Muslim Student Association (MSA), are being held to demand that KU Chancellor Douglas Girod issue a statement on behalf of the university in solidarity with Palestinian and Muslim students. After an initial walkout on Nov. 20, a second was held on Nov. 27 because the demands hadn’t been met.
Community-wide Selichot service held before High Holidays
Following a dessert reception and Havdalah, this year’s Selichot program welcomed Rabbi Josh Feigelson, president and CEO of the Institute for Jewish Spirituality, who gave a discussion called “The Breath of Life: A Jewish Mindfulness Practice of Teshuva.” The service was led by area clergy and a musical leadership team of soloists from congregations across the community. The Selichot service is done to help worshippers begin to spiritually prepare for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Kansas' only Jewish scribe helps keep tradition of ritual writing alive
Kosher Torahs, mezuzot and tefillin do not come out of a printer — they are carefully handwritten by soferim (scribes) who must follow detailed laws that go back thousands of years. Overland Park’s Rabbi Berel Sosover is a trained sofer — the only one in the state of Kansas.
Bob Dylan, a songwriter with a complicated Jewish past, to perform in Kansas City
Bob Dylan, arguably one of the most famous and enigmatic Jewish songwriters of all time, will be performing in Kansas City, Missouri, for two nights. The octogenarian folk singer will perform on Oct. 1 and 2 at The Midland Theatre. These shows will mark the beginning of the fall leg of his “Rough and Rowdy Ways” worldwide tour. Dylan has been touring regularly since 1988. Dylan, born Robert Zimmerman, was raised Jewish and became a bar mitzvah in Minnesota.
Roeland Park adopts IHRA antisemitism definition; community members unite in face of opposition
The City of Roeland Park, Kansas, passed a resolution adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism at a city council meeting with more than 50 Jewish community members in attendance. The Roeland Park City Council, overseen by Mayor Michael Poppa, passed the resolution 6-2 on Aug. 7. The resolution faced opposition from members of the city council and the Kansas chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).
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